East meets West at Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima has the attractions that include a blend of Thai and Western flavour, historical, lush greenery and shopping in one province.

East meets West at Nakhon Ratchasima

Text/Photos : Elina Heng

Toh Phromarangsi Park

Nakhon Ratchasima, which is commonly known as Khorat, is located at the north-eastern part of Thailand. It is also the largest province in Thailand. Nakhon Ratchasima has the attractions that include a blend of Thai and Western flavour, historical, lush greenery and shopping in one province. In order to enjoy a relaxing trip at Nakhon Ratchasima, I would recommend a 3-day 2-night trip like the itinerary that I did.

Chokchai Farm
The 1st destination I visited was the Farm Chokchai in Pak Chong district which is about 150km away from Bangkok. Stepping into the farm I felt as though I was in a cowboy farm. All their staff was dressed in the cowboy look. We went on a tour of the farm in a carriage watching the cow queuing in a row and the sheep grazing around. We also tried our hands-on milking experience, had fun in the ice-cream making workshop and watched the cowboy show. Lunch at the Chokchai Steak house open air area is a wonderful experience. I personally like the “5 stars” boutique tent catered for tourists. You may opt for 2 days 1 night here and you will be occupied with the activities in the farm.

Chokchai Farm (1)

Chokchai Farm (2)

Chokchai Farm (3)

Chokchai Farm (4)

PB Valley
After lunch we proceed to the PB Valley KhaoYai Winery. This is the birthplace of Khao Yai wine. The winery is surrounded by the beautiful mountains. This vineyard started in the year 1989 and they have successfully produced good quality and award winning wine since 1999. Don’t miss out on the wine tasting tours conducted by the professional guide.

PB Valley

Thong Somboon Club
At the Thong Somboon Club, the owner shared a very impressive experience with us. He actually built up this theme park, part by part, by himself since 27 years old. He used to work as a contractor for other renowned theme parks in Thailand. After awhile he realized he should bring all the fun back to his own hometown of Pak Chong. Hence, he began to build his dreamland. Thong Somboon Club is an adventure park that offers fun activities such as Go-cart race, Rolling Ball, luge and ski lift and more. We enjoyed a thrilling afternoon with shrieks and laughter. How I wished that we could have a night in their unique accommodation such as Red Indian Teepee, caravan & cart-suite.

Thong Somboon Club

Utthayan Lan Bun Maha Wihan Somdet Phra Phuttachan
( Toh Phromarangsi Park)
On the way towards Nakhorn Ratchasima city, we stopped for a visit to the Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi Park. The Park is named after the most famous monk in the 19th century. There is a 13m tall golden statue of Phra Buddhachan Toh Phromarangsi in the temple, believed to be the largest in Thailand. The outlook of the temple and its landscape are very attractive. Many devotees come here for prayers and a stroll in the park. We also joined the locals lining up for a free meal at the temple canteen.

Phimai Historical Park
I was taken aback when I entered the Phimai Historical Park that was located at Tambol Nai Muang 60km northeast of Nakhorn Ratchasima city. I asked myself “Am I in Angkor of Siem Reap?”

Prasat Hin Phimai is one of the biggest and most important religious sanctuaries found in Thailand, even though it is smaller than the temples of Angkor Wat. It is believed to have been built around the 11-12th century which is about the same time or even earlier than Angkor. This Ancient Khmer Monument is just located in the present town area covered by the wall. There are arched gateways on each wall and inside the outer wall there are 4 ponds at each corner and by the passage way links from the southern arched gateway will lead you to the inner wall and meet the most important part of the sanctuary – the central tower that is 28m tall full with carvings of Buddhism story. This place is quiet and well maintained.

Phimai Historical Park (1)

Phimai Historical Park (2)

Kwain Pottery Village
We also made a pit-stop at a pottery village located at Chok Chai district. We were all attracted by the colourful pottery crafted in different shapes, sizes and designs in one
big square. It was nicely handmade and cost effective, you will be tempted to get some for your own collection or as souvenirs.

Northeastern Museum of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources
(Korat Fossil Museum)
This is a museum exhibiting the petrified wood, fossil of 80-320 millions year olds. It was through the exhibits here that I learnt how wood turned into stone. There as a big video screen showing videos about the origin of earth and the evolution of life, 360 degree animation of dinosaur fighting and real dinosaur fossil. You may also find an ancient elephant in the museum. This is the first fossil wood museum in Thailand and one of the seven in the world.

Korat Fossil Museum

Pak Thongchai silk weaving village
Thailand is famous in the world for its silk products. Pak Thongchai silk weaving village is a place where we can see how silk cocoons are soaked in the hot water, dried under the sun, dyed with colour and then made into various products for sale.

Pak Thongchai silk weaving village

Tao Suranaree Monument

Text & Photo by Travelution